WAR TOPICS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 258, 15 January 1941, Page 2

WAR TOPICS

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RAIDER PROBLEM

STEPS TO MEET MENACE USE OF AVAILABLE TONNAGE The grave problem facing Britain in countering Germany's strengthened offensive against her shipping is discussed by the Financial News in an editorial. It suggests that one way of making trtie best use of available to linage would be a complete embargo on ccrtain impGrts, which,, it eontends, would help to provide a simple, if drastic, remedy. The Financial News says there are two solutions to the problem of securing for the British Empire and the Allies an adequate supply of shipping tonnage. It first suggests that the United Kingdom shipyards must raise their present output and the Government must supplement it by enlisting the aid of builders overseas, or purchasing old tonnage which is surplus to the requirements of foreign mercantile marines. It adds that every endeavour must be made to secure the most efficient use of tonnage now employed by the Ministry of Shipping under requisition or time charter, and that all sea transport of goods and products not essential to the prosecution of the war must be avoided. "Given the most favourable circumstances in British shipyards,, unless the weekly sinking figures be speedily and permanently reduced, the output of cargo vessels from these yards will not suffice for the Empire's Avar needs," it adds. "Canada and Australia began some time ago their quota to launchings to the British mercantile marine. Their output, however, is necessarily limited." The neAvspaper says it is good to learn that arrangements ha ve been made for the United Stales to coinn to the aid of British builders, but it adds that here again a Avord of caution is necessary. The United States has its own defence needs to consider. Further, it has never been rated is one of the leading shipbuilding countries. Because it Avould be umvise Lo rely on the United States, for any immediate assistance of great dimensions,. it adds, it is essential that the operations of the Ministry of Shipping be conducted Avith skill, so that the mercantile tonnage now in our possession be used to the best adA r antage.

"WATCH HITLER!" REPORTS IN LONDON WHAT IS NEXT NAZI MOVE,? "Watch Hitler!" is a widelypublished warning in view of the unsolved mystery of his l movements and the stalemate, of his schemes. Reports received in London state that important concentrations of German troops are massed in southwestern France-, near the Spanish frontier. Their purpose is not clear. Mii'tary observers express the that, despite General Franco's provocative action in Tangier, it is not likely that Hitler will em-> bark on a major southward campaign across the high Spanish plateau during the present season. They admit, however,, the possibility of action towards the Atlantic seaboard of the Spanish peninsula. Another explanation might be that Hitler is contemplating the military occupation of France. Another theory is that Hitler feels constantly impelled to take every possible step to reduce Britain's striking power, even to the point of an invasion. However, .ill these speculations are rather tentatively put forward, the consensus ef opinion being that Hitler's immediate purpose is merely to increase "war nerves." It is recalled that similar "concentrations of German troops on the Belgian and Dutch frontiers in the last autumn and winter produced several-,scares that an invasion was imminent it actually ■occurred.

PRISONERS' TREATMENT REPORTS FROM GERMANY NO UNDUE GROUND; FOR WORRY A report on the treatment of British prisoners captured by the Germans lias been received througn the Red Gross from two Swiss International Red Gross delegates who A'isiied Avar prisoners' camps in Belgium, oeei:pied France, and Germany, and extensi\-ely toured the camps. They say that tiie conditions are better than might have been expected, and the greatest need is news from home. Many soldiers and officers haA r e received no letters since their capture. There appear? to be a heaA y delay in delivery, due to German censorship., but the United States Embassy in Berlin is taking up Ihe matter. Sample reports on A r arious camps are:— (1) Air officers' camp: Barracks comfortable; no complaints regarding food, health excellent, There is a Avell-stocked canteen and library, but the prisoners Avill be glad to receiA r e parcels, of cigarettes, soap and linen. (2) Institute Bordet, Brussels: Treatment of Avounded excellent. The doctors are German specialists (3) Ernemont Hospital,, Rouen: Treatment and food good. Morale excellent. There are 123 Avounded and five British doctors. (4) Givilian internee camp, SI . Denis: LiA'ing conditions satisfactory. Health good. Se\ r cn. British doctors and dentists are present. RelatiA-cs are allowed to A'isit fortnightly. Roman Catholic and Protestant priests officiate. Voluntary gardening is permitted. There has been no punishment. Delegates point out that health conditions in piisoners' camps are improA'ing,, and" after visiting camps where considerably more than half the British prisoners are located they think theerc is no va!i<! ground for relatives to worry.

DUE TO BOREDOM DESERTERS FROM A.I.F. SHIP THAT WAS TORPEDOEiD • Now awaiting court martial in England is a deserter from the A.I.F. who succeeded in putting GOO miles of the Atlantic Ocean between himself and the Australian base in Britain. Disguising himself as a seaman, he managed to get a job as a stoker in a British ship travelling to America. On the third day out the ship was torpedoed by a German submarine. When lie was rescued with the rest of the crew, .questions wctne asked and papers were examined. He was identified as an Australian soldier who had been missing for several months. On his return to Britain under escort, he was handed over to the A.I.F. authorities. Several other Australian deserters., recently caught in Iceland, were given shelter by French Canadians. Cases of Desertion. The A.I.F. in Britain has suffered from deserters and "A.W.L." cases no more and no less than any other army in the field. The majority of the cases, have not boe.-i due to cowardice or criminal nio-t tives. They have been causcd mainly by boredom, the monotony of army life without action against the enemy, the lure of iemale companionship, or a desire for adventure. A severe view has to be taken, however. The offenders are nearly always caught, and their punishment acts as a deterrent to others.